MPs will pledge to cut their use of single-use plastics in order to lead by example in tackling pollution in the world's oceans.

Parliamentarians will make a commitment to reduce the use of items such as plastic straws and plastic cutlery in their daily lives.

The problem of plastic pollution will be brought home to MPs by the arrival of Plasticus, the Sky Ocean Rescue whale, outside Parliament.

Made up of a quarter of a ton of plastic, Plasticus represents the amount of plastic that enters the world's oceans every second.

By making a #PassOnPlastic pledge with Sky Ocean Rescue, MPs will be joining celebrities such as model Cara Delevingne and TV presenter Ben Fogle in making a commitment to reduce single-use plastic.

Offering his backing, Environment Secretary Michael Gove said: "Plastic has no place in our oceans, and I wholeheartedly support the work Sky's Ocean Rescue campaign has done to put this issue in the hearts and minds of the public.

"We have already introduced one of the world's toughest bans on microbeads and removed nine billion carrier bags from circulation, and through our ambitious 25 year plan for the environment I am determined we further crack down on the scourge of plastic choking our oceans."

Image:A quarter of a ton of plastic enters the world's oceans every second

Earlier this month, Mr Gove handed out reusable coffee cups to his Cabinet colleagues after ministers, including the Environment Secretary himself, came under scrutiny for carrying disposable cups.

Mr Gove has also described the idea of a "latte levy" on disposable coffee cups as an "exciting idea" in efforts to help the environment.

It follows suggestions Parliament could soon become "plastic-free" under plans being considered by officials.

A committee of MPs is reviewing the use of disposable plastics in the House of Commons and is expected to publish a report next month.

It was recently revealed more than a million disposable coffee cups and lids were used by the House of Commons last year.